The Idler in France eBook

A custom prevails in France, which is not practised
in Italy, or in England, namely, les lettres de
faire part, sent to announce deaths, marriages,
and births, to the circle of acquaintances of the parties.
This formality is never omitted, and these printed
letters are sent out to all on the visiting lists,
except relations, or very intimate friends, to whom
autograph letters are addressed.

Another custom also prevails, which is that of sending
bonbons to the friends and acquaintance of
the accouchee. These sweet proofs d’amitie
come pouring in frequently, and I confess I do not
dislike the usage.

The godfather always sends the bonbons and
a trinket to the mother of the child, and also presents
the godmother with a corbeille, in which are
some dozens of gloves, two or three handsome fans,
embroidered purses, a smelling-bottle, and a vinaigrette;
and she offers him, en revanche, a cane, buttons,
or a pin—­in short, some present. The
corbeilles given to godmothers are often very
expensive, being suited to the rank of the parties;
so that in Paris the compliment of being selected
as a godfather entails no trifling expense on the chosen.
The great prices given for wedding trousseaux
in France, even by those who are not rich, surprise
me, I confess.

They contain a superabundance of every article supposed
to be necessary for the toilette of a nouvelle
mariee, from the rich robes of velvet down to
the simple peignoir de matin. Dresses of
every description and material, and for all seasons,
are found in it. Cloaks, furs, Cashmere shawls,
and all that is required for night or day use, are
liberally supplied; indeed, so much so, that to see
one of these trousseaux, one might imagine
the person for whom it was intended was going to pass
her life in some far-distant clime, where there would
be no hope of finding similar articles, if ever wanted.

Then comes the corbeille de mariage, well stored
with the finest laces, the most delicately embroidered
pocket handkerchiefs, veils, fichus, chemisettes
and canezous, trinkets, smelling-bottles, fans,
vinaigrettes, gloves, garters; and though last,
not least, a purse well filled to meet the wants or
wishes of the bride,—­a judicious attention
never omitted.

These trousseaux and corbeilles are
placed in a salon, and are exhibited to the
friends the two or three days previously to the wedding;
and the view of them often sends young maidens—­ay,
and elderly ones, too—­away with an anxious
desire to enter that holy state which ensures so many
treasures. It is not fair to hold out such temptations
to the unmarried, and may be the cause why they are
generally so desirous to quit the pale of single blessedness.

CHAPTER XIV.

Count Charles de Mornay dined here yesterday, en
famille. How clever and amusing he is!
Even in his liveliest sallies there is the evidence
of a mind that can reflect deeply, as well as clothe
its thoughts in the happiest language. To be
witty, yet thoroughly good-natured as he is, never
exercising his wit at the expense of others, indicates
no less kindness of heart than talent.